When a female says, “I’m in a band,” what normally pops to mind? The Go-Go’s? Or maybe Courtney Love. Wipe those images outta your head, because Angela Carlson ain’t a boppy, Mary-Jane-wearin’ pop princess, nor is she an angry, screaming psychological timebomb. She is simply a musician, and an experienced one at that.

She and her band, Grover, will have a chance to clue people in to their un-Southern, Southern rock tonight when they open for perennial favorites, House of Large Sizes, at the Maintenance Shop.

Carlson has been in the business, in some form or another, for longer than most bands have been playing their instruments. A one-time Minnesotan and former member of Let’s Active (an 80s pop alternative band), Carlson spends her time on stage in front of the mic and strummin’ the guitar; she and her bandmates, Chris Phillips on drums and Dave Burris pluckin’ the bass, now call Chapel Hill, N.C., home.

During her tenure as a female rocker, Carlson has seen the industry become a little more girl-friendly, a change that she welcomes.

“It’s weird,” she said. “There’s The Muffs and The Breeders [who have female members]. . . I don’t think there are as many stereotypes as there used to be. It seems that in the last four years there’s more of that (coed bands). I’d like to see it not become a trend; that would be real progress.”

In our enlightened times, stereotypes still exist that chicks can’t do the hard stuff. But again, Carlson annihilates that theory. “People are surprised I’m a guitar player because most girls in bands are bassists, like Kim Gordon from Sonic Youth,” she said. “More and more women are becoming songwriters and playing guitars.

“It lends a women’s perspective on what used to be a real boys’-club kind of thing. Rock used to be kind of sexist in that sense, but now there are a lot more chick role models for girls who are growing up now and may want to play an instrument.”

Grover is touring in support of their June release on Zero Hour Records, My Wild Life. So far, they’ve been on the road for several weeks, and the crowds, however sparse, have dug what they have heard.

“The response has been good, but there haven’t been a lot of people,” Carlson said. “We’re just starting to get our foot in the door.”

And yes, the band borrowed their name from that wonderful neurotic puppet from “Sesame Street.” The choice puts a little perspective on their values and their love for all things both crazy and adorable.

“[Grover] was kinda too much, but he was blue and furry,” Carlson explained. “I liked the name because there was no certain connotation; it didn’t say ‘metal’ or ‘hardcore.’ I like him a lot.”

Showtime is 9 p.m. tonight, with Grover opening and House following. Tickets cost $5 for students, $6 otherwise. Bring your fee card, or you’ll pay the difference.